SC Paderborn 07 vs VfB Stuttgart Prediction

SC Paderborn 07 host VfB Stuttgart in the DFB-Pokal second round on 28 October 2026 at 20:00. Stuttgart won the Bundesliga meeting between these sides 2-0 at the same stadium on 10 October, but Paderborn have built momentum since that defeat. Ralf Kettemann's newly promoted side drew 2-2 away to Werder Bremen and then beat Hamburg 1-0 at home with a mature performance that saw them control possession and create the clearer chances after the break. Rayan Philippe scored the winner in the 88th minute.

Stuttgart enter as favorites on squad strength alone. Sebastian Hoeneß has depth in attack with Ermedin Demirović, Deniz Undav, Chris Führich, Jamie Leweling, Dzenan Pejcinovic and Bilal El Khannouss available. But their recent form has wavered. They lost 1-0 away to Hamburg and suffered a 3-2 home defeat to Borussia Mönchengladbach after taking an early lead through Demirović. Stuttgart have conceded in six of their seven Bundesliga matches this season, and the loss to Gladbach exposed their vulnerability when opponents break the first line of pressure.

Paderborn have attacking options too. Steffen Tigges offers physicality, Stefano Marino features regularly from the start, and Rayan Philippe and Marvin Pieringer provide alternatives off the bench. Santiago Castaneda has become an important midfield figure. Paderborn are unavailable: Timur Gayret, Nyamekye Awortwie-Grant, Marcel Hoffmeier, Sebastian Klaas, Oliver Batista Meier, and Gabriel Vidović is a concern after being withdrawn at half-time against Hamburg. Stuttgart are missing Josha Vagnoman (hamstring) and Nikolas Nartey (muscular problem), with Tiago Tomás, Justin Diehl and Dan-Axel Zagadou still working back to fitness.

Form and H2H

Stuttgart have won all three previous DFB-Pokal meetings between the clubs. In the Bundesliga, Paderborn are unbeaten in their last two matches (2-2 with Bremen, 1-0 over Hamburg), while Stuttgart have lost their last two league games. Paderborn eliminated Phönix Lübeck 4-2 in the first round of the cup. Stuttgart opened their campaign with a 4-0 victory over Hansa Rostock.

Head-to-head record shows Stuttgart dominant. The teams drew 0-0 on 20 December 2014, then Stuttgart won 2-1 on 23 May 2015. In the most recent Bundesliga meeting on 31 January 2023, Stuttgart won 2-1 away. The 2-0 victory on 10 October 2026 extended Stuttgart's edge.

Best bet

Both teams to score — Yes. Paderborn have gained confidence since the first meeting and should approach this knockout tie with considerably more aggression at home, knowing they have already studied Stuttgart's system. Stuttgart's recent defensive performances do not inspire complete confidence. They continue to create chances and possess enough quality to score themselves, but keeping Paderborn quiet for a second time in less than three weeks could prove difficult. A cup match becomes increasingly open if the first goal arrives early. Paderborn have enough physicality and attacking depth to contribute, while Stuttgart's offensive quality makes it difficult to imagine the visitors remaining scoreless. Back Both teams to score at 1.51 on Melbet or 1xBet.

Odds to watch

Stuttgart are favored at 1.51 on the 1X2 (Melbet and 1xBet), 1.49 on Mostbet, or 1.52 on 1Win. The draw sits at 4.45 on Melbet and 1xBet, 4.5 on Mostbet, or 4.36 on 1Win. Paderborn's home win is priced at 5.47 on Melbet and 1xBet, 5.3 on Mostbet, or 5.7 on 1Win. Stuttgart's attacking depth and Paderborn's improved form since the league meeting make this a competitive second-round tie despite the visitors' squad quality.